2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Preview

Both cars feature large, wrap-around headlight clusters integrating three independent lighting units each, creased to

SS models get a racier lower valance that integrates a second horizontal grille opening, filled with a black-diamond crosshatch pattern. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

conform to the sculpted lines of the hood and front fenders. And that's about where the similarities end, with the two-door Monte Carlo featuring racy fender swells, just like the current model.

As previously mentioned, the new Monte looks much the same from rear three-quarter view as the current version, which is no bad thing. This is definitely the 2005 car's best angle, and is actually quite unique compared to the Accord coupe, for instance, that borrows much of its design language, especially in the taillights, from Mercedes-Benz products. It gets a standard decklid spoiler, while the SS gets NASCAR-like spoilers. All of the Monte Carlo upgrades add 30 mm (1.2 inches) to the outgoing model's length.

Like the Japanese, GM has made sure its new entry delivers extremely tight panel gap tolerances of 3.5 mm or less, adding to the

GM has made sure its new entry delivers extremely tight panel gap tolerances of 3.5 mm or less, adding to the feeling of quality. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

feeling of quality. Its grab-style door handles relate a substantial feel, something I noticed when poking around one that was on display at the Detroit auto show, an important human-machine interface that many automakers, such as Jaguar with its loose, cheap feeling XJ door handles, forget about.

What the new Monte Carlo has over its Japanese rivals is engine power. While base cars will feature a new standard 3.5L V6, more powerful than the base engines from the majority of competitors at 210-horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, top-line SS models will boast a V8.